1–999 AD World History Viking Ship (c. 900) 1–49 Birth of Jesus Christ (variously given from 4 B.C. to A.D. 7). After Augustus, Tiberius becomes emperor (dies, A.D. 37), succeeded by Caligula (assassinated, A.D. 41), who is followed by Claudius. Crucifixion of Jesus (probably A.D. 30). Han dynasty in China founded by Emperor Kuang Wu Ti. Buddhism introduced to China. 50–99 Claudius poisoned (A.D. 54), succeeded by Nero (commits suicide, A.D. 68). Missionary journeys of Paul the Apostle (A.D. 34–60). Jews revolt against Rome; Jerusalem destroyed (A.D. 70). Roman persecutions of Christians begin (A.D. 64). Colosseum built in Rome (A.D. 71–80). Trajan (rules A.D. 98–116); Roman empire extends to Mesopotamia, Arabia, Balkans. First Gospels of St. Mark, St. John, St. Matthew.

100–149 Hadrian rules Rome (A.D. 117–138); codifies Roman law, rebuilds Pantheon, establishes postal system, builds wall between England and Scotland. Jews revolt under Bar Kokhba (A.D. 122–135); final Diaspora (dispersion) of Jews begins. 150–199 Marcus Aurelius rules Rome (A.D. 161–180). Oldest Mayan temples in Central America (c. A.D. 200). 200–249 Goths invade Asia Minor (c. A.D. 220). Roman persecutions of Christians increase. Persian (Sassanid) empire re-established. End of Chinese Han dynasty. 250–299 Increasing invasions of the Roman empire by Franks and Goths. Buddhism spreads in China. Classic period of Mayan civilization (A.D. 250–900); develop hieroglyphic writing, advances in art, architecture, science. 300–349 Constantine the Great (rules A.D.

312–337) reunites eastern and western Roman empires, with new capital (Constantinople) on site of Byzantium (A.D. 330); issues Edict of Milan legalizing Christianity (A.D. 313); becomes a Christian on his deathbed (A.D. 337). Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) defines orthodox Christian doctrine. First Gupta dynasty in India (c. A.D. 320). 350–399 Huns (Mongols) invade Europe (c. A.D. 360). Theodosius the Great (rules A.D. 392–395)—last emperor of a united Roman empire. Roman empire permanently divided in A.D. 395: western empire ruled from Rome; eastern empire ruled from Constantinople. 400–449 Western Roman empire disintegrates under weak emperors. Alaric, king of the Visigoths, sacks Rome (A.D. 410). Attila, Hun chieftain, attacks Roman provinces (A.D. 433). St. Patrick returns to Ireland (A.D.

432) and brings Christianity to the island. St. Augustine's City of God (A.D. 411). 450–499 Vandals destroy Rome (A.D. 455). Western Roman empire ends as Odoacer, German chieftain, overthrows last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, and becomes king of Italy (A.D. 476). Ostrogothic kingdom of Italy established by Theodoric the Great (A.D. 493). Clovis, ruler of the Franks, is converted to Christianity (A.D. 496). First schism between western and eastern churches (A.D. 484). 500–549 Eastern and western churches reconciled (519). Justinian I, the Great (483–565), becomes Byzantine emperor (527), issues his first code of civil laws (529), conquers North Africa, Italy, and part of Spain. Plague spreads through Europe (542 et seq.). Arthur, semi-legendary king of the Britons (killed, c. 537).

Boëthius, Roman scholar (executed, 524). 550–599 Beginnings of European silk industry after Justinian's missionaries smuggle silkworms out of China (553). Mohammed, founder of Islam (570–632). Buddhism in Japan (c. 560). St. Augustine of Canterbury brings Christianity to Britain (597). After killing about half the population, plague in Europe subsides (594). 600–649 Mohammed flees from Mecca to Medina (the Hegira); first year of the Muslim calendar (622). Muslim empire grows (634). Arabs conquer Jerusalem (637), conquer Persians (641). 650–699 Arabs attack North Africa (670), destroy Carthage (697). Venerable Bede, English monk (672–735). 700–749 Arab empire extends from Lisbon to China (by 716). Charles Martel, Frankish leader, defeats Arabs at Tours/Poitiers, halting Arab advance in Europe (732).

Charlemagne (742–814). Introduction of pagodas in Japan from China. 750–799 Charlemagne becomes king of the Franks (771). Caliph Harun al-Rashid rules Arab empire (786–809): the “golden age” of Arab culture. Vikings begin attacks on Britain (790), land in Ireland (795). City of Machu Picchu flourishes in Peru. 800–849 Charlemagne crowned first Holy Roman Emperor in Rome (800). Charlemagne dies (814), succeeded by his son, Louis the Pious, who divides France among his sons (817). Arabs conquer Crete, Sicily, and Sardinia (826–827). 850–899 Norsemen attack as far south as the Mediterranean but are thwarted (859), discover Iceland (861). Alfred the Great becomes king of Britain (871), defeats Danish invaders (878). Russian nation founded by Vikings under Prince Rurik, establishing capital at Novgorod (855–879).

900–949 Beginning of Mayan Post-Classical period (900–1519). Vikings discover Greenland (c. 900). Arab Spain under Abd ar-Rahman III becomes center of learning (912–961). Otto I becomes King of Germany (936). 950–999 Mieczyslaw I becomes first ruler of Poland (960). Eric the Red establishes first Viking colony in Greenland (982). Hugh Capet elected King of France in 987; Capetian dynasty to rule until 1328. Musical notation systematized (c. 990). Vikings and Danes attack Britain (988–999). Otto I crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope John XII (962). China History, Discover the 5,000 Years History of China The Top 10 Apps for China Travelers Spectacular scenery of the Forbidden City China is one of the world's four ancient civilizations; here we give a concise overview of more than 5000 years of Chinese history, including the Great Wall and the four great inventions of ancient China.

Do you know what they are? The written history of China can be said to date back to the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), over 3,000 years ago. The first dynasty was founded in the 21st century B.C., and China was first unified in 221 B.C. by Qin Shihuang - Owner of The Terracotta Army . Imperial Era First Dynasties The founding of China's first dynasty, Xia Dynasty in the 21st century B.C. marked a change from a primitive society to a slave society. Slave society developed further during the Shang (16th-11th century B.C.) and the Western Zhou (11th century-770 B.C.) Dynasties. This era was followed by the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (475-221 B.C.), and the transition from the slave society to feudal society.

The First Emperor Ying Zheng, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty and the people began to construct the Great Wall In 221 B.C., Ying Zheng, a man of great talent and bold vision, ended the rivalry among the independent principalities in the Warring States Period . He established the first centralized, unified, multi-ethnic state in Chinese history, under the Qin Dynasty (221-207 B.C.). He called himself Shi Huang Di ( the First Emperor ), also known as Qin Shi Huang, or First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty. During his reign, Qin Shi Huang standardized the script, currencies, and weights and measures, established the system of prefectures and counties, and began the construction of the world-renowned Great Wall . He also built a large palace, a mausoleum ( the Terracotta Army ), and temporary regal lodges in Xi’anyang, Lishan, and other places. At the end of the Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang, a peasant leader, overthrew the Qin regime in cooperation with Xi’ang Yu, an aristocratic general. A few years later, Liu Bang defeated Xi’ang Yu and established the strong Han Dynasty in 206 B.C.

Han Dynasty The Silk Road, an important trade road, was formed in Han Dynasty During the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), agriculture, handicrafts, and commerce were well developed. During the reign of Emperor Wudi (Liu Che, 140-87 B.C.), the Han regime reached the period of its greatest prosperity. The multi-ethnic country became more united during the Han regime, which existed in total 426 years. The emperor conquered the Xiongnu nomads, sent Zhang Qian as an envoy to the Western Regions (Central Asia), and in the process pioneered the route known as the " Silk Road " from the Han capital Chang' an through Xinjiang to Europe. One of the Four Beauties of Ancient China, Wang Zhaojun, was married as a ‘political bride’ to chieftain of the Xiongnu in 33 B.C. Her life and influence created a famous inspiring story about marriage between the Han and the Xiongnu.

(See Former Residence of Wang Zhaojun in Yichang, the starting point of the upstream Yangtze Cruise ) Middle Dynasties Han Dynasty was followed by the Three Kingdoms Period (220-265) of Wei, Shu, and Wu. It was followed by the Jin (265-420), the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589), and the Sui Dynasty (581-618). A jade item displayed at Beijing Forbidden City Museum . In 618, Li Yuan founded the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Later, Li Shimin (r. 626-649), son of Li Yuan, ascended the throne as Emperor Taizong , considered one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history. After the Tang Dynasty, came the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960). Song and Yuan Dynasties Kublai Khan, the first man made Beijing the capital In 960, General Zhao Kuangyin of the Later Zhou Dynasty rose in mutiny, and founded the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

In 1206 Genghis Khan unified all the tribes in Mongolia and founded the Mongol Khanate. In 1271, his grandson, Kublai Khan, conquered the Central Plain, founded the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and made Dadu (today's Beijing) the capital. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, handicraft industry and domestic and foreign trade boomed. Many merchants and travelers came from abroad. Marco Polo from Venice traveled extensively in China, later describing the country's prosperity in his book ‘Travels’. The "four great inventions" of the Chinese people in ancient times, paper making, printing, the compass and gunpowder, were further developed in the Song and Yuan dynasties, and introduced to foreign countries. Ming and Qing Dynasties The Forbidden City is the imperial palace of Ming and Qing Dynasty. In 1368, Zhu Yuanzhang founded the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in Nanjing, and reigned as Emperor Taizu.

When his son, and successor, Zhu Di, ascended the throne, he started to build the palace, temples, city walls, and moat in Beijing. In 1421, he officially made Beijing his capital. In the late Ming Dynasty, the Manchus in northeast China grew in strength. Under the leadership of Nurhachi, the Manchus invaded the Central Plain for three generations in succession, and finally founded the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The two most famous emperors of the Qing Dynasty were Emperor Kangxi (r. 1661-1772) and Emperor Qianlong (r. 1735-1796). The Kangxi and Qianlong reign periods were known as the "times of prosperity". China was reduced to a semi-colonial and semi-feudal country since the first Opium War in 1840. The Revolution of 1911, led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, ended the rule of the Qing Dynasty.

Modern Era The Revolution of 1911 is of great significance in modern Chinese history: the monarchical system was discarded with the founding of the provisional government of the Republic of China. The victory was soon compromised by concessions on the part of the Chinese bourgeoisie, and the country entered a period dominated by the Northern Warlords, headed by Yuan Shikai. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, China has entered a new Communist era of stability, with the Reform and Opening Up policies of 1978, bringing in China’s phenomenal economic growth. China Highlights' culture tours offer travelers a great opportunity to dig deeper into Chinese history, or we can help you customize a tour according to your interests. List of Chinese Dynasties and Modern Governments Dynasties China, 1000 B.C.–1 A.D. | Chronology | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art China, 1000 B.C.–1 A.D. 1985.214.99 Eastern Zhou dynasty , 771–256 B.C. Spring and Autumn period, 770–ca.

475 B.C. 750 B.C. Eastern Zhou dynasty , 771–256 B.C. Spring and Autumn period, 770–ca. 475 B.C. 500 B.C. Eastern Zhou dynasty , 771–256 B.C. Spring and Autumn period, 770–ca. 475 B.C. Warring States period, ca. 475–221 B.C. 250 B.C. Western Han dynasty , 206 B.C.–9 A.D. Warring States period, ca. 475–221 B.C. Overview By the end of this period, the boundaries established by the Qin dynasty and maintained by the Han more or less define the present-day nation of China. Other enduring aspects of Chinese culture introduced at this time include Confucianism ; an administrative system that serves as a model for government until the early twentieth century; and the construction of the Great Wall of China. The Qin dynasty, pronounced chin, became the source of the Western name China. The arts introduced in the previous period—bronze casting, lacquerwork, and jade carving—flourish.

Technical innovations such as the casting of copper, silver, or gold into the decoration of bronze vessels herald the beginning of a new style of metalworking often thought to have been introduced into China from the West. Key Events 771 B.C. The move of the capital east to Luoyang in Henan Province, after the invasion of the nomadic Quanrong, marks the beginning of the Eastern Zhou era, which is divided into two periods: the Spring and Autumn (770–ca. 475 B.C.) and the Warring States (ca. 475–221 B.C.). The latter, when China is divided into smaller, conflicting polities, is a period of technical and artistic brilliance noted for its bronze vessels with decoration inlaid in silver and gold. ca. 400–200 B.C. The Daodejing (Classic of the Way and Its Power) is composed. Based on the work of Laozi, this text is one of the foundations of the practice of Daoism (Taoism), a form of mysticism that stresses the union of man with the forces of nature. ca. 400–200 B.C.

The earliest extant paintings on silk, one showing a woman with a dragon and a phoenix, the other a man with the same mythological creatures, are excavated from sites associated with the state of Chu, centered in the regions of Hebei and Hunan provinces. Noted for its lacquer goods, Chu is one of the more powerful polities in China during the Warring States period. The Chuci (Songs of the South), an anthology compiled during the Han dynasty , contains many poems thought to have originated in Chu and attributed to Qu Yuan (ca. 343–277 B.C.), one of the first individual poets. 206 B.C. The Qin dynasty —pronounced “chin,” thereby providing the Western name China—is established by Ying Zheng (259–210 B.C.), the ruler of a minor polity in the northwest who conquered the six states remaining at the end of the Warring States period.

Famous in legend for creating the “Great Wall of China” by uniting several preexisting structures, Ying Zheng, who titled himself Qin Shihuangdi (First Emperor of the Qin), also undertakes several massive construction projects, including his tomb, which is guarded by a lifesize terracotta army of over 7,000 figures. The use of smaller terracotta armies to guard the perimeters of imperial tombs continues for at least a century. One spectacular group of over 40,000 such figures about one-third lifesize is excavated in 1990 outside the joint tomb of Emperor Jingdi (r. 157–141 B.C.) and his wife, Empress Wang. 206 B.C.–9 A.D. The Western Han dynasty, named after the location of the capital at Chang’an (present-day Xi’an), is founded after the civil war that follows the death of Qin Shihuangdi. One of the largest cities in the ancient world, the roughly rectangular Chang’an has walls fifteen miles long and houses numerous palaces, administrative and residential buildings, and two bustling marketplaces. 141–86 B.C.

Under the rule of Wudi (“martial emperor”), China temporarily expands its boundaries as far west as the Pamir Mountains and as far east as the northern part of Korea. Wudi’s rule also sees a flowering of poetry, literature, and philosophy and the publication of the 116-chapter Shiji (Records of the Historian) by Sima Qian (ca. 145–80 B.C.), a work that sets the standard for government-sponsored histories until the early twentieth century. 100 B.C. Monumental stone sculptures, valued for their aura of permanence, appear above tombs and in other public locations. By the first century A.D., “spirit roads,” avenues of stone monuments and figures lining the approach to an imperial tomb, have replaced the terracotta armies common earlier. This practice , which spreads to Korea and Vietnam, continues in China for centuries. Citation “China, 1000 B.C.–1 A.D.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–.

(October 2000) Related Qin dynasty | China [221-207 BC] | Britannica.com Qin dynasty Alternative Titles: Ch’in dynasty, Kin dynasty Related Topics List of cities in China Qin dynasty, also spelled Kin, Wade-Giles romanization Ch’in, dynasty that established the first great Chinese empire . The Qin—which lasted only from 221 to 207 bce but from which the name China is derived—established the approximate boundaries and basic administrative system that all subsequent Chinese dynasties were to follow for the next two millennia. Detail of a terra-cotta soldier from the tomb of the first Qin emperor, Shihuangdi. © yang xiaofeng/Shutterstock.com The dynasty was originated by the state of Qin , one of the many small feudal states into which China was divided between 771 and 221 bce. The Qin, which occupied the strategic Wei River valley in the extreme northwestern area of the country, was one of the least Sinicized of those small states and one of the most martial.

Between the middle of the 3rd and the end of the 2nd century bce, the rulers of Qin began to centralize state power, creating a rigid system of laws that were applicable throughout the country and dividing the state into a series of commanderies and prefectures ruled by officials appointed by the central government. Under those changes, Qin slowly began to conquer its surrounding states, emerging into a major power in China. China: The Qin empire (221–207 bce ) Finally, in 246 bce, the boy king Ying Zheng came to the throne. He, together with his minister Li Si , completed the Qin conquests and in 221 created the Qin empire. Ying Zheng proclaimed himself Qin Shihuangdi (“First Sovereign Emperor of Qin”). To rule the vast territory, the Qin instituted a rigid, authoritarian government; they standardized the writing system, standardized the measurements of length and weight and the width of highways, abolished all feudal privileges, oversaw large-scale construction of what then became the first Great Wall , and in 213, to halt subversive thought, ordered all books burned, except those on such utilitarian subjects as medicine.

Statue of the Qin emperor Shihuangdi, near his tomb in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China. Nat Krause Xia dynasty Those harsh methods, combined with the huge tax levies needed to pay for the construction projects and wars, took their toll, and rebellion erupted after Shihuangdi’s death in 210 bce. In 207 the dynasty was overthrown and, after a short transitional period, was replaced by the Han dynasty (206 bce–220 ce). The Qin dynasty left two architectural monuments of massive proportions—one the Great Wall of China, which actually connected sections of a number of existing short walls, and the other a great palace for the first emperor, which contained a hall of state some 1,500 feet (450 metres) square. Its most important artistic contribution may have been the simplification and standardization of the emerging written Chinese language . Little survives of Qin painting, but it generally emulated what was being produced late in the Zhou period (1046–256 bce). Silhouettes drawn on funerary slabs depict feasts and beasts (mythical and actual) and historic scenes.

The Qin tomb near present-day Xi’an in Shaanxi province, the burial place of Shihuangdi with an army of some 8,000 life-size terra-cotta soldiers and horses, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The Qin did not last long enough to stamp out literature and learning effectively, and much of the rich legacy of the ancient Shang dynasty managed to survive into the successor Han, under which the arts thrived greatly. Terra-cotta soldiers in the tomb of the Qin emperor Shihuangdi, near Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China. © Macqua/Fotolia Timeline of Chinese History and Dynasties | Asia for Educators | Columbia University Timeline of Chinese History and Dynasties Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events ca. 2100-1600 BCE Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang ca. 1046-256 BCE Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE) Eastern Zhou (ca.

771-256 BCE) Spring and Autumn Period Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE 206 BCE-220 CE Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE) Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han; Buddhism introduced to China Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE) The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing) 1368-1644 Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing 1644-1912 Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing 1912-1949 Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing 1949-present Annotated Chronological Outline of Chinese History 10,000-2,000 BCE ca.

1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty One of the Three Dynasties, or San Dai (Xia, Shang, and Zhou), thought to mark the beginning of Chinese civilization: characterized by its writing system, practice of divination, walled cities, bronze technology, and use of horse-drawn chariots. ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty: Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE), Eastern Zhou (771-256 BCE) A hierarchical political and social system with the Zhou royal house at its apex: power was bestowed upon aristocratic families as lords of their domains or principalities. Although often compared to European "feudalism," what actually gave the system cohesion was a hierarchical order of ancestral cults. The system eventually broke down into a competition for power between rival semi-autonomous states in what became known as the Spring and Autumn period (ca. 770-475 BCE) and the Warring States (ca. 475-221 BCE) period. It was during these tumultuous times that Confucius (551-479 BCE) lived.

221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Created a unitary state by imposing a centralized administration and by standardizing the writing script, weights and measures. Known for its harsh methods of rule, including the suppression of dissenting thought. 206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty: Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) and Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Modified and consolidated the foundation of the imperial order. Confucianism was established as orthodoxy and open civil service examinations were introduced. Han power reached Korea and Vietnam. Records of the Historian, which became the model for subsequent official histories, was completed. 220-589 CE "Period of Disunity" or Six Dynasties Period The empire was fragmented. The North was dominated by invaders from the borderland and the steppes. The South was ruled by successive "Chinese" dynasties. Buddhism spread. 581-618 CE 618-906 Tang (T'ang) Dynasty A time of cosmopolitanism and cultural flowering occurred. This period was the height of Buddhist influence in China until its repression around 845.

Active territorial expansion until defeated by the Arabs at Talas in 751. 960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty: Northern Song (960-1127) and Southern Song (1127-1279) An era of significant economic and social changes: the monetization of the economy; growth in commerce and maritime trade; urban expansion and technological innovations. The examination system for bureaucratic recruitment of neo-Confucianism was to provide the intellectual underpinning for the political and social order of the late imperial period. 1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty Founded by the Mongols as part of their conquest of much of the world. Beijing was made the capital. Dramas, such as the famous Story of the Western Wing, flourished. 1368-1644 Ming Dynasty The first Ming emperor, Hongwu, laid the basis of an authoritarian political culture. Despite early expansion, it was an inward-looking state with an emphasis on its agrarian base.

Gradual burgeoning of the commercial sector; important changes in the economy and social relations in the latter part of the dynasty; also a vibrant literary scene as represented by publication of the novel Journey to the West. 1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty A Manchu dynasty. Continued the economic developments of the late Ming, leading to prosperity but also complacency and a dramatic increase in population. The acclaimed novel Dream of the Red Chamber was written in this period. Strains on the polity were intensified by a rapid incorporation of substantial new territories. Its authoritarian structure was subsequently unable to meet the military and cultural challenge of an expansive West. 1912-1949 Republic Period Weak central government following the collapse of the dynastic system in 1911-12; Western influence was shown by the promotion of "science" and "democracy" during the New Culture Movement. The attempt of the Nationalist government (est. 1928) to bring the entire country under its control was thwarted by both domestic revolts and the Japanese occupation (1937-45). The Nationalists fled to Taiwan after defeat by the Communists.

1949-present People's Republic of China Communist government. The drive for remaking society ended in disasters such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Economic reform and political retrenchment since around 1978. Prepared by Michael Tsin, previously assistant professor of Chinese history, Columbia University; currently associate professor of Chinese history, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Text ©1995 Columbia University, Asia in Western and World History: A Guide for Teaching, (Ainslie Embree and Carol Gluck, eds., Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharp Inc. 1995). China, 1000–1400 A.D. | Chronology | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art Liao dynasty (North China), 907–1125 1100 A.D. Liao dynasty (North China), 907–1125 Jin dynasty (North China), 1115–1234 1200 A.D.

Jin dynasty (North China), 1115–1234 1300 A.D. Ming dynasty , 1368–1644 Overview Reunited once again under the Northern Song dynasty, China maintains complicated relationships with the Liao in the northeast and the Xixia in the northwest. The former is overcome by the Jurchen, whose Jin dynasty controls North China while the Song continues to rule the south. Both succumb to the Mongols who rule China—as the Yuan dynasty—from 1271 until the establishment of the Ming in 1368. Despite harsh political realities, the Song dynasty is a brilliant era, shaping Chinese culture for centuries. The monumental landscape painting of the Northern Song and the quieter evanescent images of the Southern Song serve as models for later artists, as does the quest for self-expression that marks the Chinese literati under Mongol rule. Ceramics, both green-glazed celadon wares of the Song and the porcelains painted in underglaze blue during the Yuan, profoundly influence traditions throughout Asia . Metalwork, lacquer, textiles, and other luxuries are produced for domestic consumption and trade.

Key Events 960–1127 Most of China is under the control of the Northern Song dynasty , but regions of the northeast and northwest are in the hands of foreign rulers. ca. 1020 The Song government actively encourages the spread of schools, providing support through land. 1032–1227 The Xixia or Western Xia, a people of Tangut origin, control northwest China. Xixia paintings follow Chinese traditions, particularly in the depiction of landscape , and Tibetan Buddhist examples. ca. 1044 The earliest formula for gunpowder (coal, salt pepper, and sulfur) is recorded. ca. 1050 Printed books become widespread, and books and paper are exported to many lands. ca. 1050–1101 Confucianism becomes a major governing ideology. The revival of this system is often associated with reformist factions; however, interest in Confucianism can also be attributed to a broader interest in reasserting native ideologies and traditions. 1100–1125 Huizong, the most famous emperor-aesthete in Chinese history, reigns.

He is renowned as a painter and patron of the arts, but assessed as a weak ruler who loses the empire to the invading Mongols. A catalogue of his painting collection (Xuanhe huapu), published in 1123, numbers some 6,000 works. Huizong is also famous for establishing a painting academy in 1104 and for his taste in ceramics, favoring blue/green-glazed Ru wares over the white-glazed Ding. The collecting of antiquities becomes fashionable during his reign. The study of ancient ritual bronzes, jade, and epigraphy flourishes, informing scholarship up to the present day. ca. 1119 The first record of a compass, although magnetic north was known and used as early as the third century A.D. 1125–1234 The Jurchen of eastern Manchuria conquer Liao territories and move south into northern China, capturing the capital at Kaifeng (formerly Bianliang) and forcing the Song court south. 1127–1279 South China is ruled by members of the Song imperial family from their capital at Hangzhou while the north remains in the hands of the Jurchen Jin dynasty.

1130–1200 Zhu Xi, one of the most influential Confucian thinkers, synthesizes major trends, selecting the four texts that define the tradition and its scholarship until the early twentieth century. ca. 1150 The Song government prospers, advancing China’s position as a major maritime power. Massive ships travel as far as the Malabar Coast of India and the Red Sea, exporting silk, porcelain, dye, and other luxuries. 1163 A synagogue is built in Kaifeng to serve merchants active in the caravan trade from Persia. 1206 Temujin is enthroned as the Genghis (“great”) Khan of the Mongols. In 1215, he captures Beijing, and in 1233, the former Northern Song capital (or the southern capital of the Jin dynasty) at Kaifeng surrenders to the Mongols. 1260 Kublai Khan ascends to the Mongol throne in 1264 and moves the capital from Karakorum to Beijing.

In 1271, he chooses the Chinese name Yuan (“original” or “prime”) for his dynasty, and by 1279 all of China has fallen under Mongol rule. 1269 The Tibetan monk ’Phagspa, a close advisor to Kublai Khan, develops the ’Phagspa script for Mongolian. ca. 1271 World History 1-100 AD Tweet World History 1-100 AD Jesus Christ Born , Herod Deposed, Tribes Destroy 3 Roman Legions , Hsin Dynasty, Tiberius Secedes Augustus , Han Dynasty , Caligula Assassinated , Conquest Of Wales , Claudius Murdered , Rome Burns, Judaea Rebels Against Rome, Four Emperors, Jerusalem Falls, Masada Falls , Kushan Dynasty, Mount Vesuvius Explodes , Coloseum Dedicated , Domitian's Reign Of Terror, Five Good Emperors 1 AD- Jesus Christ was born On Decemeber 25th 6 AD Herod Deposed-Herod Archelaus was deposed by the Roman Emperor, Augustus because of Herod Archelaus' brutal treatment of the Jews of Judea and Samaria.

9 AD German Tribes Destroy 3 Roman Legions- Three Roman legions under the command of P Quinctilius Varnus were defeated by a German army led by Ariminus. The battle took place in the Teutoburg Forest, and resulted in Varnus committing suicide.The results of this battle ensured German independence from Rome. 9 AD Hsin Dynasty- Wang Mang founded the short-lived Hsin Dynasty. He instituted wide-ranging reforms that included breaking up large estates, and freeing of slaves. There was a great deal of opposition to his policies and he was eventually forced to tax slaveholding instead of releasing slaves. Wang Mang instituted a series of price controls on staples. His opponents fomented revolts against him and in 23 he was killed during one such revolt. 14 AD Tiberius Secedes Augustus - Augustus died on August 19th at Nola. While legally all of his powers ceased with his demise, Augustus had arranged for his family members to succeed him. Thus Tiberius, the son of Augustus' wife Livia by her first marriage, became the new Emperor of Rome.

25 AD Han Dynasty Founded - After the death of Wang Mang, Hou Han founded the Eastern Han Dynasty. During this dynasty, which lasted until 220, Buddhism was introduced into China. 30 AD Jesus Christ was put to death by the Romans in Jerusalem on April 7th 41 AD Caligula Assassinated- After the death of Tiberius, he was succeeded by Caligula. Caligula was considered by many to be insane. He was assassinated by Cassius Chaerea, a member of the Praetorian Guard on January 24th in the year 41 A.D. 51 AD Conquest Of Wales Completed By Romans- The Romans under Ostorius Scaopula defeated Carctacus of Wales. This eventually led to the complete subjugation of Wales to the Romans twenty years later. 54 AD Claudius Murdered, Nero Emperor- According to legend, Claudius was assassinated by his wife Agrippina using poisoned mushrooms. Agrippina then arranged for her son, Nero, to become Emperor. Nero eventually had his mother killed. 64 AD Rome Burns- The city of Rome was nearly destroyed in a catastrophic fire.

The fire is said to have been set by Nero. Legend has it that 'Rome burned while Nero fiddled'. 66 AD Judaea Rebels Against Rome- A rebellion broke out in Jerusalem against Roman rule. The Roman fortress of Antonia in Jerusalem was captured and the soldiers killed. The Romans dispatch an army from Syria to quell the revolt, but it was destroyed on the way to Jerusalem. 68 AD Year of the Four Emperors- The year 69 A.D. is known as the year of the four emperors. Nero was assassinated and civil war erupted to determine who would succeed him. In the course of that tumultuous year, Nero was succeeded by Galba who was followed by Otho. Otho was defeated by Vitellius and Vespasian finally established a new dynasty. Vespasian himself was the son of a tax collector from Reate. He represented a complete break with the Augustinian dynasties that preceded him. 70 AD Jerusalem Falls- Rome sent an enormous army under the command of Vespasian, to retake Judea. The Roman army quickly subdued the Jewish forces in the Galilee and laid siege to Jerusalem.

Vespasian was recalled to Rome and the siege continued by his son, Titus. Titus succeeded in capturing Jerusalem on the ninth day of Ab (according to the Jewish calendar). He burned Jerusalem, killing or selling into slavery tens of thousands of Jews. 73 AD Masada Falls- The Fortress of Masada, occupied by Jewish zealots opposed to Rome, held out for three years. Masada was located in the Judean Desert near the shores of the Dead Sea. When it became clear that they could hold out no longer, the defenders of Masada committed mass suicide rather then become captives of the Romans. 78 AD Kushan Dynasty- The Kushan Dynasty was established by Kanishka. The Kushan Empire extended from Benares and Kabul to the Vindhayas. The Kushan capital was at Peshawar. The Kushans thrived on the Chinese-Roman trade that passed through their Empire. 79 AD Mount Vesuvius Explodes- In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted. The eruption destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Most of the cities' populations managed to flee, but 20,000 inhabitants were killed.

80 AD Coloseum Dedicated-Vespasian had ordered the Colosseum built, but it fell to his son Titus to dedicate it. It was used for gladiator games until 404 AD. 89 AD Domitian's Reign Of Terror- Domitian who succeeded Titus Vespasianus (his older brother), commenced a reign of terror after an abortive coup against him. Domitian levied heavy taxes on the provinces. Domitian was assassinated in 96 A.D. 96 - 180 AD Five Good Emperors - Starting with Emperor Marcus Nerva, Rome was ruled by five individuals who became known as the "Good Emperors". The Emperors maintained both domestic tranquility and relative peace on the borders. They were known for building roads and other large civil projects. The Five Emperors were:

Question: Which dynasty ruled China in the year 1AD?
Answer: HAN